Hoyer, Roe Applaud Energy and Commerce Committee Passage of the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) and Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) applauded the Committee on Energy and Commerce on passage of the bipartisan School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act. The bill, introduced by Whip Hoyer and Rep. Roe, encourages states to adopt policies that increase access to epinephrine in schools to protect students who are at risk of fatal anaphylaxis, a systemic allergic reaction. The bill was approved by voice vote. Whip Hoyer and Rep. Roe introduced a similar bill during the 112th Congress.

“With its passage by the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act takes an important step forward today, bringing protection to millions of children with food allergies and their families,” stated Whip Hoyer. “As the grandfather of a child with food allergies, I know firsthand how worrisome it can be knowing that exposure to even a minuscule amount of allergen could quickly develop into life-threatening anaphylaxis. That’s why I was proud to join Rep. Phil Roe in introducing this bipartisan legislation, which will make it easier for schools to stock epinephrine and administer it in case of an emergency. I am glad that the Committee has endorsed our bill, and I look forward to working toward its consideration on the House Floor.”

“I am pleased to see the Energy and Commerce Committee moved this bill forward today,” said Roe. “You can never be too careful when protecting the life of a child and this legislation will ensure we’re taking every precaution possible to ensure children are safe should they have an allergic reaction at school. I want to thank Whip Hoyer and the committee for their support of and work on this bill.”

The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by 19 Democrats and 15 Republicans, and is endorsed by Food Allergy Research & Education; the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine.